Welcome to The STOMP!, the newsletter dedicated to stomping out stigma by providing education and raising awareness about mental health issues. |
Taking Care of Ourselves and Others
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 March is Women’s History Month. It is also National Social Workers Month. One role that women and social workers often share is that of caregiver. It is so easy to throw ourselves into this role, especially when we are caring for someone we love. Sometimes, however, we find ourselves taking care of everyone else and neglecting ourselves, mentally, physically, and socially. Here are some tips for ways we can continue to provide love and support to those who need it, while caring for ourselves, too:
Get regular exercise, even just a few minutes several times a day. Exercise can be a good energizer for both physical and emotional health.
Maintain a healthy diet. A good diet will give you more energy to carry you through each day.
Make time for an activity you enjoy—reading, listening to music, painting or doing crafts, playing an instrument-even if you can only do it for a few minutes each day.
Recognize stress and take steps to manage it. Your need for relaxation increases during periods of care giving.
Recognize and deal with signs of depression. Use self-care and ask for extra support when the earliest signs of depression appear. If that doesn't work, seek professional help.
Deal with important issues in your life, and maintain supportive relationships. Being a caregiver adds another dimension to your life, but it does not mean you have to put the rest of your life on hold. Issues involving your family and other relationships, your finances, your job, and other responsibilities still need to be addressed.
Let go of guilt. The best way to let go of guilt is to accept the fact that you just can't be everything to everyone all of the time. Tell yourself that you are doing a good job at a difficult task, and ask for help.
Source: www.webmd.com
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Stories of Success: Gerald Butler
By Margaret Thele
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“People used to run when they saw me,” Gerald Butler says about his past. For years, he struggled with alcohol addiction and the voices in his head. Now Gerald is a leader in the peer-support recovery movement, a musician who plays in the consumer-led Recovery Band, and he is developing a program that will offer healing through the arts.
Gerald’s problems with alcohol began early in life. As an altar-boy at church the older kids dared Gerald to drink the priest’s wine. He took the dare and recalls that night was the first night he slept without the voices in his head screaming at him.
He was hooked. By ninth grade, he says, “I was a full-blown drunk”, and he wound up getting kicked out of school.
It wasn’t until the age of 43, when Gerald woke up on the floor of a liquor store – not knowing how he got there, that he realized he needed help. Gerald did an extended stay in rehab, but as he became sober, he knew he had to deal with the voices and his mental health.
He got into the mental health system, but recovery wasn’t easy. Gerald found he couldn’t sleep and would often get up in the middle of the night and walk the streets, feeling suicidal. Gerald feels that God spared his life, so he could reach out to others. “I never make promises,” Gerald says, but he felt as God lifted him up, “I made a promise to help someone else.”
Gerald kept his promise to reach out and has helped many people. As a certified peer specialist he offers support and encouragement to others with a mental health diagnosis.
Gerald is an accomplished musician playing with the consumer-led Recovery Band.
“Through the Recovery Band, we bring in consumers to sing with us and tell their stories.” Gerald strives to create a welcoming atmosphere. “We tell people ‘You are valuable’, then step back and watch the magic. All people need is an offer of hope. The little things make a difference – a hug or a word of encouragement.”
Gerald Butler is also working on developing CHARGE, the Center for Healing Arts, Recovery, Growth and Empowerment. CHARGE will offer a safe place for persons with a diagnosis to heal, recover and express themselves through the arts.
Gerald offers encouragement to others who are trying to find their way in the mental health system. His advice is to “Realize that recovery is in you.” He suggests seeking out leaders who express compassion and empathy, “Leaders that make you feel good about yourself.”
As a leader, Gerald has accepted several awards, but he maintains the best reward he received was a card signed by the members of a local clubhouse. “They thanked me for being there.” As Gerald puts it, “People make the program.” Gerald continues to offer hope, support and a voice of experience to the community. People no longer run from Gerald, they gravitate to his welcoming smile and inspiring attitude.
received was a card signed by the members of a local clubhouse. “They thanked me for being there.” As Gerald puts it, “People make the program.” Gerald continues to offer hope, support and a voice of experience to the community. People no longer run from Gerald, they gravitate to his welcoming smile and inspiring attitude.
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Stigma In Action: No Excuse for Violence
By Amy Yashinsky
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 I was on the phone with a friend recently who was telling me about a TV show he watches. On this show, a character has recently been diagnosed with Intermittent Explosive Disorder, or IED. This disorder, which is marked by inappropriate, disproportionate displays of aggression and violence, is being used as a scapegoat for the character’s violent behavior. When I heard this, I was both angry and upset. While there are many aspects of mental illness that we can not control, violence is not one of them. Violence should not be accepted, nor should it simply be seen simply as an expected by-product of mental illness.
The premise of this show implies that for this character, violence is not a choice. In reality, violence as a way of handling conflict is usually a choice, and is never necessary. There is a misperception in the general public that people with a mental illness are violent and should be feared. Statistics show, however, that the majority of violent people do not have a mental illness. In fact, people with a mental illness are 2.5 times more likely to be the victims of violent crime than the perpetrators.
Violence is a choice. Each person, regardless of their issues, can choose to express their emotions in ways that do not include violence. For some people this may be difficult, but with help and treatment, it is possible. The character on this television show is not only using his mental illness as an excuse for violence, but he is goading his boss into firing him for being violent, so that he can sue his employer for wrongful termination and discrimination.
This portrayal of mental illness, and of a person dealing with mental illness, is inaccurate and discriminatory.
I understand that this is a television show and not reality. As well, I get that it’s a storyline, a device used to bring in viewers and make people talk. But I am getting tired of the media portraying people with mental health issues as hateful, evil, incompetent, or less-than others in any way. It would be nice to see a story about a person working through their recovery, not using illness as an excuse. It would be uplifting to watch characters deal realistically with the challenges of a mental illness, instead of using them for financial gain. It would be great if someday soon we are able to turn on the TV and see realistic stories about the trials and triumphs of mental illness. Until then, we can continue to inform ourselves and others of the truths, and join together in hope that through education and outreach, stories like these will be few and far between.
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CMH Corner: Take A Stand Against Shame
Provided by Jackie Castine
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 Stomping out Stigma is a worthy exercise for all of us who have been victims of discrimination because of our mental health issues. We know that there is a great need for education and enlightenment in our society to end the misinformation and myths surrounding brain disorders.
Most of us who suffer from mental illness know all too well that we face another obstacle in our journey towards acceptance and serenity. And that is self-acceptance, the freedom from self-criticism which seems to be a ‘ not so subtle’ sidekick to depression. These nagging thought patterns tell us we are worthless, there is nothing to live for, that we have not accomplished anything in our lives, that no one cares about us. We know that this negative thinking is false and destructive when we are emotionally stable. But when the dragon called depression slithers from the back porch into the living room of our feelings we forget what we know intellectually. The unpredictability of our mood disorder hunkers down into that mysterious cavern where feelings become facts. In this isolation, we have few weapons against the verbal abuse we inflict upon ourselves. Here we become the victims of our own self-generated “badmouthing.”
Because I learned early on that this internal enemy is far more powerful than anything attacking me on the outside, I have spent considerable time trying to manage my inner thought life rather than focusing on trying to control other people’s attitudes. I agree with Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
Did you ever think that the first giant step along the path to good mental health is an inside job? Why is that? The answer is that we rarely have the power or influence to change what is going on around us--- especially difficult people, places, things or circumstances. The good news is that once we stop focusing our time and energy on the externals, we discover that the secret to successful living is learning how to control our reactions to those things. Now we can be in charge of our life and give up feeling like a powerless victim.
You may have noticed that there are countless books, programs, therapies, support groups (especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 12-Step Groups), and spiritual disciplines that can help us in addition to our pharmaceutical regimens, if we avail ourselves of them! Perhaps one of the most effective weapons we can wield against the slings and arrows of social stigma, is to demonstrate the self imposed discipline of self-control, emotional maturity, and rational thinking in all of our affairs.
Jacqueline Castine, B.A., is a Community Education Specialist at the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority. She is the author of I Wish I Could Fix It, But … (Phoenix Publishers, 2005). She can be reached at castinej@occmha.org
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Monthly Footprints: February, 2009
By Malkia Maisha Newman
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 The CNS Anti-Stigma Program continues to break new ground with our exciting new curriculum offerings.
In January the CNS Organizational/Community Education Development Department, (which includes the CNS Anti-Stigma Program) presented their first Mental Health 101 course to St. Joseph Mercy-Oakland’s Parish Nurses. Over 20 participants were able to get CEU credits for their attendance that night. Amy Yashinsky, Education Specialist, conducted the majority of the session. Malkia Maisha Newman, Community Educator, accompanied her to provide additional insight on Protecting Mental Health, Exposing Myths about Mental Illness, and Community Resources Available in Oakland County. The Parish Nurses were very appreciative for the overview and the materials they received.
An exciting program was presented to NAMI Michigan by Community Educators Margaret Thele and Malkia Maisha Newman at NAMI’s Annual Winter Party held in Lansing, MI. Over 40 people braved the cold and the threat of more snow to attend. NAMI members and board members along with first-time visitors enjoyed the Stomp Out Stigma presentation and viewed the award-winning documentary Did You Know? as well. Many were moved by the personal accounts of stigma experienced by consumers and family members alike. Many attendees made commitments to become advocates and to speak out about issues important to the lives of people who have been impacted by mental illness.
February found the team on the road again. First they traveled to Detroit to present for the Neighborhood Service Organizations’ Older Adults Services Program. Then they went on to Southgate to present to T.E.A.M. Mental Health, a mental health service provider in Wayne County. The professionals that attended these sessions were very impressed with the presentation that the team shared.
The month ended with a bang for the program. The team was able to speak to 2 of their target populations, law enforcement and youth. A special presentation was given to Waterford Police in two separate sessions which also included judges and other officers of the court. Last but not least, Beverly Williams, a Psychology Teacher from Notre Dame Preparatory School in Pontiac, had Margaret and Malkia come to present to 100 of her students. This is the 3rd year that the team has had the privilege of bringing the special message of hope and recovery to young adults.
The response to the program was very gratifying. After hearing the message many of the students understood for the first time the importance of listening and giving time to others that may be in need of their support.
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Community Network Services and Affirmations are “Challenging Stigma”
By Amy Yashinsky
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When we talk about stigma, we often focus on mental health issues and the stigma associated with them. However, stigma extends past mental health concerns into many other areas as well. Some members of our society have been known to stigmatize or discriminate based on race, religion, sexuality, and gender. Stigma can be extremely difficult to deal with when a person experiences it for both mental health-related causes as well for other characteristics that they may possess. It was the desire to address these complex subjects that lead Community Network Services’ Anti-Stigma Program, in partnership with Affirmations, to organize this event.
The panel discussion will cover topics such as, mental health stigma, gender-based stigma, HIV and the law, and encouraging others on how to be an ally to those who are affected by stigma everyday. The panel will be moderated by London Bell of Affirmations. The featured guest speakers will include:
Dr. Kofi Adoma, PhD, speaking to the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
Kendra Kleber, JD, who specializes in assisting persons with HIV challenges, will discuss stigma as it relates to HIV, focusing on strategies for dealing with discrimination.
Amy Yashinsky, LLMSW, will speak on gender roles and the connections between shame and stigma associated with stepping outside traditional roles.
Louis Elias, will share his personal story with stigma.
The community forum will be moderated by London Bell and Ellen Chute, of Jewish Family Services, and will offer insights on what it means to be an “Ally” and how supporters can take on this role within our communities.
There will also be time allowed for questions and discussion from the audience. Light refreshments will be served.
“Challenging Stigma” is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. Go to www.goaffirmations.org to reserve your seat or call Margaret Thele at 248-409-4228.
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Practice Kindness and Compassion and you may live longer!
By: Laura Farwell, MS—OCED Supervisor
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 Unemployment is at an all time high and it seems like I get a phone call each week from a friend or family member who has lost their job. It is quite easy in times of anxiety and uncertainty to retreat internally and insulate ourselves from the suffering of others. But I have another option: KINDNESS and COMPASSION.
My husband is a constantly reminding of some of the Buddhist principles which guide him through each day. He will often quote the Dalai Lama and give me a mantra to say to “make things better”. So last week when I asked him about kindness he gave me a few books from the Dalai Lama and a sarcastic comment, “You could really learn something from these books– if you read them!” So I immediately opened the one with the cute picture of his Holiness smiling on the front, and the first chapter led me to a quote that really resonated with me. The Dalai Lama stated, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” So that’s it! All I have to do is be nice to people and life will be great? Not exactly.
Compassion and kindness are not just about the actions that we do, but are also a state of mind or a condition of the heart. In fact, compassion starts with loving yourself and accepting and healing your own wounds. Only then is it possible for you to be warm and kind to others. When we find true compassion there is no picking or choosing, you simply give it to everyone. Yep, even the mean lady at the grocery store, the road rage guy who flips you the bird, and the customer service representative who puts you on hold for 20 minutes.
Some people are born with an innate ability to be kind. My son Luke is one of them. Although he is only five, he truly believes that everyone should be happy, just like him. So he makes it his job everyday to engage with people who seem to be struggling. From the child he sits next to in class, to the mail lady delivering the mail, he will reach out to you and infuse you with the hug of a grizzly bear. I have begun to think that Luke may know something I don’t know. Sure enough he did. Research shows that when we practice kindness and compassion we produce a DHEA hormone that counteracts the aging process and reduces the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) we produce (www.thirdage.com). I couldn’t believe it. That should be incentive enough for everyone to be kind and empathic towards one another, right? Nope! It’s a choice.
So here are a few tips to help you guide your way to a more kind and compassionate way of life:
Appreciate yourself– be thankful you have woken up, your alive, and don’t waste it!
Practice Commonalities– instead of recognizing the differences you have with someone, find all the things you have in common. At the root of it, we are all human beings.
Empathy Practice– Think about other people’s suffering not just your own. It helps put things in perspective.
Reflect Nightly– Before bed each night think about the things you have done, what you are grateful for, and how you have treated others during the day.
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Thank you for your support of the Stomp Out Stigma program. We hope that you have gained valuable information that can help in erasing stigma and look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events. If you have any comments or questions about The STOMP!, please contact us at lfarwell@cnsmi.org
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In This Issue
Mental Wellness
Success Story
Stigma In Action
CMH Corner
Team Update
Guest Columnist
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NEED Help in a CRISIS?
In Oakland County, MI:
Common Ground
Sanctuary
24 hr. Crisis Line
800-231-1127
National Hopeline Network
24 hour Crisis Center
800-784-2433 |
Save The Date
2nd Annual
Stomp Out Stigma
Fundraiser
Run/Walk
Saturday
September 12th, 2009
Mark your 2009
calendars!
www.
Getme
registered.com |
Anti-Stigma Team
Upcoming
Events
3-24 Clarkston High School
3-27 Michigan State University
3-28 Oakland Family Services Parenting Fair
4-2 Youth Hope Convention
4-21 OCCMHA's Recovery Conference
4-23 New Hires Training-Easter Seals Children Staff
5-3 & 4 NAMI State Conference
5-19 New Hires Training-Easter Seals Adult Staff
5-26 Faith-Based Conference |
“Unlocking the Mind”
on CMN TV
This month’s topic:
Veterans Mental Health
Comcast Ch.52
WOW! Ch. 18
Tuesdays 2:30 pm
Wednesdays 6:30 pm
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Get a copy of our VIDEO!!
“Did You Know?”
 The video is filled with stories from people who have had a first hand knowledge of what it like to live with a mental illness and how stigma personally affects them. Designed to help promote awareness of
mental health issues, the film could be used at trainings, group meetings or in the classroom.
**$10.00 suggested donation
Contact: mmaisha@cnsmi.org
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Do you have a story or article
You would like to see in
The Stomp?
Contact Laura Farwell at:
lfarwell@cnsmi.org
Or call 248-745-4900 x1035 |
Myth or Fact?
Eating Disorders only affect females.
MYTH!
An estimated 10-15% of people with anorexia or bulimia, and an estimated 40% of those with binge eating disorder are male. As well, men are less likely to seek help for eating disorders, decreasing the number of reported cases.
Source: Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness
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